voir dire
Jury selection process
Voir dire is the legal procedure for questioning prospective jurors to determine their suitability for a case.
Lawyers and judges ask about biases, experiences, and connections that might affect impartiality: During voir dire, the defense asked if anyone had been a victim of violent crime.
The term comes from Old French meaning "to speak the truth." In some contexts, voir dire also refers to preliminary questioning of witnesses outside the jury's presence.
Legal decision-making body
- jurorTrial panel member
- prospectiveExpected in the future
- panelDistinct flat section
- venireSummoned potential jurors
questioning · peremptory · challenge · cause · dismissal · strike · empanelment · jury pool
Judicial proceedings chamber
- judgeOne who decides
- attorneysLicensed legal practitioners
- sidebarAncillary text box
- objectionExpression of disapproval
scope · time limits · strikes · rounds · rehabilitation · sequestered · recorded · transcript
One who attests
- qualificationsProof of competence
- credentialsEvidence of qualification or identity
- competenceAdequate ability to function
- admissibilityQuality of being permitted
methodology · reliability · foundation · opinion · specialized knowledge · experience · training · education
Preformed unfavorable opinion
- impartialityFreedom from prejudice
- fairnessJust and equal treatment
- preconceptionBelief formed beforehand
- exposureState of being unprotected
opinion · predisposition · open-minded · hardship · relationship · acquaintance · conflict · disqualification
jury
Legal decision-making body
- jurorTrial panel member
- prospectiveExpected in the future
- panelDistinct flat section
venire · questioning · peremptory · challenge · cause · dismissal · strike · empanelment · jury pool · jury box
courtroom
Judicial proceedings chamber
objection · scope · time limits · strikes · rounds · rehabilitation · sequestered · recorded · transcript · chambers
witness
One who attests
- qualificationsProof of competence
- credentialsEvidence of qualification or identity
- competenceAdequate ability to function
admissibility · methodology · reliability · foundation · opinion · specialized knowledge · experience · training · education · challenge
prejudice
Preformed unfavorable opinion
- impartialityFreedom from prejudice
- fairnessJust and equal treatment
- preconceptionBelief formed beforehand
exposure · opinion · predisposition · open-minded · hardship · relationship · acquaintance · conflict · disqualification · neutrality
swear
Vow or use profanity
- affirmDeclare to be true
- truthAccordance with reality
- truthfullyWithout deception or lies
perjury · solemnity · promise · testify · candor · honesty · sincerity
voir diretrial
Judicial examination of claims
case-in-chief · verdict · deliberation · judgment · closing arguments